McMahon Closing in on Blumenthal in Connecticut?

Michael Warren

August 5, 2010 6:13 PM

A Quinnipiac poll out yesterday shows GOP Senate hopeful Linda McMahon of Connecticut gaining some momentum against Democrat Dick Blumenthal, the state's attorney general. According to the poll, Blumenthal leads McMahon 50 percent to 40 percent, a seven point gain for the Republican, who trailed by 17 points in Quinnipiac's poll two weeks ago. At the beginning of June, Rasumussen found Blumenthal was 23 points ahead of McMahon. Television ads like this one seem to have raised McMahon's profile in the state.

The poll indicates Connecticut independents may be moving toward McMahon, who said on Fox News this morning that voters want someone with "real life business experience" and an "outsider" with a "fresh face" and "new ideas." Here's the video.

McMahon said the race is a "clear choice between a philosophy of big government, liberal government, and one of fiscal conservatism." She also notes that the stimulus did not provide for any private sector jobs and only stimulated the public sector.

The hosts of Fox & Friends did not press her much on her experience as the CEO of WWE. Jonathan Last wrote last month about ethical and legal questions surrounding McMahon's business ventures in professional wrestling.

McMahon still faces a GOP opponent in the August 10 primary. Former congressman Rob Simmons re-entered the race July 21, three months after suspending his campaign. According to Quinnipiac, McMahon enjoys a 17-point lead over Simmons.